Pending Pamlico building sale awaits extended bid question

BAYBORO — A long debate on selling a piece of county-owned property appeared settled Monday night when the Pamlico County commissioners, in a split vote, agreed to the lone bidder for the Norris Building in Alliance.

BAYBORO — A long debate on selling a piece of county-owned property appeared settled Monday night when the Pamlico County commissioners, in a split vote, agreed to the lone bidder for the Norris Building in Alliance.

It has been the home of the county Cooperative Extension Service, Soil and Water Conservation office and Farm Services. Those agencies are set to move to another Alliance site, the Brinson Building, as early as the end of the month.

But on Tuesday morning, County Manager Tim Buck said the sale was now tentative, pending language in the approved motion and whether a 10-day upset bid provision applied. Some commissioners, including Jimmy Spain, wanted the extended upset bid period attached to the sale.

The board wrestled with what to do about a $76,000 sealed bid by Hardison Properties of Pamlico County. That lone bid was less than half of the $160,000 appraised value on the property.

Spain and Commissioner Kenny Heath wanted the matter turned over to a Realtor for a listing. Spain made a motion to find a Realtor. There were unresolved questions about how to choose a Realtor, what commission to pay and other concerns.

“I say put it out to a Realtor and move on,” Heath said.

Spain, who said he thought the property could bring $25,000 more than the bid, later withdrew his motion.

Commissioner Carl Ollison called it “a bad way to do business” to solicit sealed bids and then reject the offer.

Spain pointed out that the commissioners had said in the bid process that they reserved the right to reject bids.

Another motion, by Pat Prescott, was to negotiate with the original bidder. That motion also was later withdrawn.

The board finally voted to accept the bid, with Heath and Spain voting against it. Commissioner Chris Mele joined Prescott and Ollison in voting to accept the offer. Commission Chairman Paul Delamar III was excused from the voting after informing the board his law firm represents the bidder.

Commissioner Ann Holton was absent following the death of her mother earlier on Monday.

Buck said Tuesday that no decision had been made on the matter.

The cost of the appraisal for the Norris Building was $1,800.

Another planned item was taken off the board’s short agenda. Sheriff Billy Sawyer will appear before the board at its next meeting on Feb. 17 to discuss security concerns at the Bayboro Courthouse and its one courtroom. This request came after an incident in the Pamlico courtroom last week in which a defendant facing sentencing had to be restrained by Sawyer and a number of other law enforcement officers.

Charlie Hall can be reached at 252-635-5667 or charlie.hall@newbernsj.com